224 - RA Flashcards
Where is the primary site of RA?
Synovium
What changes occur to the synovium in RA?
- Pannus formation - thickened, inflamed
- erosion of bone, cartilage and ligament
- Excess synovial fluid
How common is RA?
0.5-1% of population
What risk factors are there for RA?
Smoking
Genetic - assoc. with HLA-DR4 and PTPN 22
What is the usual presentation for RA?
Gradual onset, in small peripheral joints
Morning stiffness, swelling in joints + hands, symmetrical
What is the pattern of RA joints?
Usually PIPs, MCPs and wrist
What changes can be seen in the hand of someone with RA?
Ulner deviation of the fingers
Dorsal interosseous wasting
Swan neck deformities
Boutonnier deformity
What can be seen on Xray in RA?
Periarticular osteopenia (looks darker)
Periarticular errosions
Reduced joint space
Ulner deviation + subluxation
In RA what are the systemic effects it has?
Nodules - s/c gristle
Vasculitis
Cardiac (IHD, pericarditis, valvular disease)
Respiratory (Effusions, fibrosis, nodules)
Haem (Anaemia of chronic disease, thrombocytosis)
Neuro (entrapement neuropathies, atlanto-axial subluxation)
Occular (Episcleritis, scleromalacia)
Amyloidisis - builds up in tissues eg. tongue
How do you diagnose RA?
Clincial signs
Bloods - ESR, CRP, Rheumatoid Factor, Anti-CCP
Imaging - US, Xray
Which is better to diagnose RA - RF or Anti CCP?
Anti-CCP - more specific to RA (but not as sensitive, only 70% of RA have it)
RF is good as 80% with RA are +ve, but 10% of normal population also +ve
What is the treatment of RA?
Analgesia
NSAIDS
Steroids
DMARDS (Methotrexate, Sulphasalazines, Leflunomide)
Biologics (anti-TNF a - infliximab, Anti CD20 - Rituximab)
What characterises connective tissue diseases?
Inflammation, Fibrosis, Thrombosis
What are the common symptoms of connective tissue diseases?
Fatigue, malaise, fever Depression Arthralgia/myalgia Weight loss Lymphadanopathy
What clinical features might be found in someone with connective tissue disease?
Raynauds Inflammatory arthritis Skin rashes Muscle weakness Pleurisy Vascular events Recurent foetal loss
What associations are there with connective tissue disease?
HLA
Ethnic susceptibilities
Name 4 connective tissue diseases
SLE : systemic lupus erythematosis
Inflam muscle disease - polymyolitis or dermatomyolitis
Scleroderma
Sjorgrens syndrome
What specific signs are there in SLE?
Butterfly rash - photosensitive Arthritis Oral ulcers Alopecia Serositis
What are the autoantibodies associated with SLE?
ANA (100% +ve),
ds DNA (50% +ve),
anti-sm (15%),
anti-Ro/La (20%)
What treatment options are there for SLE?
NSAIDS
Hydroxychloroquine to myalgia
Prednisalone for arthritis